Words about farmers markets, gardening, place, and whatever else seems relevant to my little life now being lived in the metropolis of Tokyo.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Sunday Reading

Poppies by Caroline.

The rain continues to pour down, so in between attempts to get to the garden, foraging walks for foraging for yamamomo (Chinese bayberry), and writing, I've been doing some reading. Here are a few that particularly caught my fancy.

Suicide, Alcoholism and Anthony BourdainCan We Talk About Alcoholism and Anthony Bourdain? at the Chicago Tribune is a piece I've been waiting for since news of his tragic and untimely death appeared. He was hard for me to watch as I saw a person who was working hard to present himself as the most gregarious, most interesting, most outlandish when really there was a deep sadness about him. This piece clarified that for me in a way, especially as alcoholism and addiction is something that my family knows far too well. (Thanks to April Leaf for pointing this one out.)

Harvesting and LifeTasting The Sweetness Of A Norwegian Summer at The New York Times is an old piece I stumbled across in the leftover paper of our moving process. I smoothed out the paper to find this little gem by Hope Jahren reflecting on berries, life, and seasons. It was wonderful and surprising and vivid.

Climate ChangeGlobal Warming Likely To Expand Radius of Gale Force Wind of Tropical Cyclones at Japan For Sustainability is not surprising but still disappointing news for farmers and regular citizens alike. Winds can devastate crops by either knocking them down or causing severe damage to plants. The fact, too, that typhoons (Japan's version of the hurricane) regularly arrive throughout the year and with higher intensity, means we all need to be bracing ourselves for higher food prices and extra work in the fields.

Frankenstein and Technology

It'll Take More Than A Few Angry Villagers To Kill Off 'Frankenstein' at NPR reflects on why Mary Shelley's classic horror tale continues to resonate with readers today. I only read it myself a few years ago and must admit that in that mid-19th century story I saw many of the things we worry about today in regards to technology run out of control. Hopeless or hopeful, whatever your take on it may be, this article and the book are both worthy of your time.